nonhereditary
/ˌnɑnhəˈrɛdɪˌtɛri/
adjective
- Not passed from parent to child through genes; not inherited genetically.
- Most cancers are nonhereditary, caused by environmental factors rather than family genes.
- The disease is nonhereditary, so the children of patients are not at higher risk.
- Scientists discovered that the mutation was nonhereditary and occurred only in the patient's cells.
- Not passed down through a family line, such as a title or property; not inherited by right of birth.
- The position of senator is nonhereditary; you must be elected to hold it.
- The estate was nonhereditary, so it went to the state after the owner's death.
- In a nonhereditary monarchy, the ruler is chosen by a council rather than born into power.
Synonyms
Antonyms